Scope of the radical addition–cyclization–elimination reaction of oxime ether towards the synthesis of tricyclic lactam derivatives

The synthesis of tricyclic lactam building blocks by the radical addition–cyclization–elimination (RACE) reaction is presented. A range of oxime ethers carrying unsaturated ester part have been tested for the radical reaction. A variety of substituents were incorporated around the aromatic backbones and their effect on the RACE reaction has been examined. In addition, the power of RACE reaction is demonstrated by preparation of a key intermediate for the synthesis of constrained analogue of methoctramine.